Meet our New Principal

Dear Star parents and families,

I am very happy to announce Mr. Brian Barker as our new principal at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic School. Mr. Barker comes to us after 5 years as the Assistant Principal and Dean of Students at St. Lawrence Catholic School in Utica, MI. Previously, he was at De la Salle Collegiate for ten years as a theology teacher and director of campus ministry. He also taught theology at St. Mary’s Preparatory High School in Orchard Lake, and at Dearborn Divine Child High School. Mr. Barker has a MS in Educational Leadership from Madonna University, a MA in Theology from Sacred Heart Major Seminary, and a BS in Communications from the University of Wisconsin. He loves and coached hockey, but unfortunately, Steve Yzerman has not called yet!

Mr. Barker said, “I am humbled and honored to become the next principal of Our Lady Star of the Sea School and look forward to meeting the dedicated Star faculty and staff, students, and parents. I hope to meet many of you at the upcoming ice cream social. I also look forward to growing in our faith and the love of the Eucharist as a school family as we together ‘build strong minds and faithful hearts through Christ.”

My thanks to Mrs. Kimberly Vigneron, our Associate Superintendent for the Archdiocese of Detroit Schools, the Schools Office, and the committee who interviewed Mr. Barker. Mr. Barker has a few projects and administrative items to bring to conclusion at St. Lawrence but will be in our school beginning Monday, August 28 to lead teacher meetings. I trust everyone will be patient with Mr. Barker as he acclimates to this new community.

Please pray for Mr. Barker and the whole Star School family during this time of transition. I am confident many blessings are in store as we strive for growth in faith and academic excellence!

Msgr. Gary Smetanka
Pastor
msgr.smetanka@stargp.org
313-884-5554 ext. 2011